Certified FDLE report or instant search: which one do you have?
Review the report scope, the subject details and the certified-results option before paying. SHIELD describes optional Spanish results only for certified non-idented results; it excludes rap sheets from that translation option. This is not a promise that a foreign recipient accepts that version instead of its own translation requirements. Do not treat an ordinary search screenshot or home printout as the certified paper record.
Does the FDLE search fee include an apostille?
SHIELD publishes $24 for each name search regardless of the result. Florida’s ordinary apostille fee is a separate $10 for an eligible document; confirm the actual certification category before filing. Private assistance, any further translation and shipping are additional. The published SHIELD processing estimate excludes postal delivery, and the subsequent apostille and return journey add their own stages. Recheck current estimates rather than adding them to a guaranteed delivery date.
What should be checked on your FDLE report?
Review the issued record’s agency certification, subject details and complete pages. A screenshot or routine notary stamp on a scan does not establish that it is the eligible FDLE record. If the receiver requested FBI, the federal route applies instead. Resolve these questions before sending an original or paying for the wrong authentication service.
How do FDLE processing and apostille timelines differ?
SHIELD publishes five to seven business days for staff processing, excluding U.S. Mail delivery. An eligible FDLE record then needs a separate Florida apostille stage and return delivery. Florida DOS processes requests in receipt order without an expedited state tier. Report issuance, apostille, translation and transport therefore need separate estimates; no total completion date is guaranteed here.
Related questions
Does fingerprinting choose my apostille authority?
No. Look at the issuing agency on the final report.
Is FDLE certification the same as apostille?
No. The state apostille is a separate government authentication.
Can I use a report already on my computer?
Check how it was issued and certified. Do not assume a screenshot or ordinary printout replaces the qualifying record.
Official requirements & sources
Official sources and their check dates are listed below. The receiving authority determines the requirements for your exact use.
- FDLE SHIELD: Certified/Non-Certified SearchSources checked: 2026-10-24
- Florida Department of State: authenticationsSources checked: 2026-10-24
- U.S. Department of State: apostille preparationSources checked: 2026-10-24
- Florida DOS: apostille FAQSources checked: 2026-10-24
OrazAva provides private document and administrative support. Government authorities issue apostilles. These guides are general information and do not provide legal advice.